Graduation

When Hannah was just a few weeks old, I think around 4 weeks, I started attending a new mom's group at the local Providence Hospital. Because we gave birth at a Providence it was a free support group for new mom's. It was a group designed for mom's of children newborn to 6 months old to come and get support in some of the things that they were struggling with.

When I first started this group I was going through a bit of a difficult time. I wasn't sure I was cut out to be a parent, I was sleep deprieved, I had been out of work for 4 weeks and missed being around others, I didn't hardly leave the house, I was a basket case. I remember walking in and that first group really feeling support and enjoyed hearing what others had to say when I shared my struggles.

The months have gone by and I've been a faithful attender. I've slowly watched other moms and babies graduate and we have gone from being the new mom, to an older mom and baby... On Thursday we graduated. Hannah will be 6 months on Tuesday and I had an appointment next Thursday, so this last Thursday Hannah got dressed up and got to graduate from the group.

So what have I gotten out of my experiences with the new mom's group? Quite a bit to be honest.

I was able to get involved in a play group that meets on the weekends. Which has been invaluable as I have been working full time since Hannah was 6 weeks old. Having a group of mom's that want to meet on weekends is fabulous. We have so far had several play dates at the park and a potluck BBQ with our spouses and other children. We have an upcoming trip to the pumpkin patch and a Chili Fest and Costume party planned.

We have a large group, I beleive in the area of 9-12 moms and babies that have been involved in this group. The age ranges are a bit larger than a typical play group, but it still works for us.

I have also had some new insight about being a parent since attending this group... here's some of those highlights.

*Regardless if you breast feed or formula feed, the important part is that you feed your child. I have a new found passion around this after our struggles.

*Listen to your inner mom voice. Most of the time that voice is going to be right and have your family and babies interest in mind. Don't worry about how society does it, or the vast amount of advice that you get does it. Even when others don't understand why you do it the way you do, if that's how you want it done, do it that way.

*Accept all the help that is offered, it comes in handy and is short lived!

*Don't worry about how dirty the house is, enjoy the time with the baby. This was hard for me, but I have had my days where faced with play with Hannah or clean... I have chosen Hannah... because I know that tomorrow may not give me these oppurtunities.

*Sleep whenever you can, naps are okay! And sometimes necessary. Sometimes that means letting other things go, giving up other activities, but in the end your mental health and physical health will thank you for the extra sleep.

*Have fun, hug and kiss your baby as much as you want, and carry her as much as you want. You can't spoil a newborn, that doesn't come until they get older... and by then they will let you know when they don't want to be held. I don't regret at all the amount of time I've carried and held Hannah. She falls asleep quickly for me now b/c of the trust she and I have because I've held her and rocked her for so many hours! She knows my voice, my heartbeat, my smell... and Daddy's too- because we have been committed to loving her. I never leave her without a hug and a kiss... and I don't feel guilty for wanting to have time with her on the weekends and not wanting to share her... after all I work 40 hours a week and miss her during those hours.

I probably could go on and on.... but these are the big ones that I'm passionate about now as a parent. And they are the things that I tell my friends who are having babies, or have littler ones. Either way I am now an advocate for new mom's to follow their hearts and to not feel guilty for the way they raise their babies! :)

Loves, Jessica